Clearly it’s a story that tapped into a nerve – which will no doubt please the company with the vested interest in making you suspicious about what debts your partner might have, who just happened to create this finding:

The study, by credit rating agency Noddle, also asked about finances at the beginning of a relationship, finding that more than a quarter of single men and women said that they would break up with a new partner if they found out they were in a lot of debt.

Noddle are the kind of company that can tell you if your partner has any debts, so it’s hardly going against their commercial interests to plant into the minds of readers that debt would be a good reason to end a relationship – despite, it’s worth pointing out, the overwhelming majority of people (75%) disagreeing with that particular hook line. As ever, with Bad PR surveys, the numbers do not matter, they’re simply the delivery mechanism for the message. As is the obligatory spokesperson quote:

Jacqueline Dewey, of Noddle, said: ‘Our research shows that as a nation we still shy away from talking about money, even with our spouse or partner.

‘Whilst it may seem tempting to keep this information to yourself, it can have a detrimental impact on your financial decisions and, ultimately, your relationship.

‘Knowing about your financial health – and that of anyone you are financially involved with – is crucial whether you’re applying for a credit card, getting a mortgage or looking for the best deals on utilities or mobile phones.

‘That’s why we’re calling for consumers to have full financial disclosure with their other halves.’

Yes, Jacqueline, you want people to understand their finances for the good of their relationship – not, say, because it will result in more business for Noddle.